Obituary: Thomas Lee Gipson Sr.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 21, from 6-8 p.m. at New Bethel AME Church, 210 E. 16th St., in Stuttgart. Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. at New Bethel AME Church with Rev. Jamar White officiating.

Thomas was born July 20, 1929, in Clarendon to Joseph Gipson and Ella Davenport-Gipson. He was the widower of Bobbie Jean Mullins-Gipson.

Thomas was a member of New Bethel AME Church in Stuttgart. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of the Mount Pavan Lodge No. 2 AM in Detroit, Mich.

Thomas received his education from the Clarendon School District in Clarendon. After graduating high school he enlisted into the United States Army. He served from 1951 until 1953 and was a part of the Military Police Force.

Thomas was a resident of Detroit, Mich., for more than 45 years before returning to Arkansas in 1999.

Thomas was employed by Kelsey Hayes, a subsidiary of the General Motors Corporation in Detroit for over 30 years before retiring. He and his brother were also the former owners of A & V Grocery Store in Detroit for more than 10 years.

Thomas loved spending quality time with his family. He loved reading, attending church when he could and listening to gospel quartet singing.

His parents, wife, a son Albert Gipson, a brother Alfred Gibson and a sister Geraldine Lucas all preceded Thomas in death.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 21, from 6-8 p.m. at New Bethel AME Church, 210 E. 16th St., in Stuttgart. Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. at New Bethel AME Church with Rev. Jamar White officiating. Internment will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Roe by Branscumb Johnson and Gilchrest Funeral Home of Brinkley, (870) 734-2772, branscumbfuneralhome1928@yahoo.com and Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home